Simulation of fractograms of fat emulsions in power-programmed sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF).

A quasi-empirical approach to the simulation of fractograms was examined to verify that the elution behavior of emulsions in power-based field programmed sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) is consistent and predictable. The approach was applied to Intralipid, a commercial soybean emulsion and to an investigational medium chain triglyceride emulsion. The simulations predicted the fractograms that were obtained under various conditions of field strength, field decay and velocity of the suspending fluid, using distribution parameters obtained from one preliminary measurement of size distribution profile. Predicted fractograms were compared to experimental ones, under various fractionating powers. Good agreement was observed in most cases, in which interference of the secondary relaxation effects was not effective. The agreement confirmed the applicability of the approach to emulsions and that the simulations can be used instead of actual experiments for the optimization of their characterization by power-programmed SdFFF.